When Michaelangelo and his team spent five years painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, artificial intelligence wasn’t even a figment of the imagination. Today, artists are using AI art generators to spin up similar images in 5 seconds. Welcome to the age of the AI artist!
Artistic industries are experiencing one of the most significant disruptions in centuries with the meteoric rise of AI tools for art. From paintings to sculptures, AI is being used by artists to generate unique works that challenge our perceptions of what’s possible.
Some critics argue that AI art generators undermine the essence of creativity and human expression. But supporters of AI-generated art contend that it can complement and enhance human creativity rather than replace it.
From using AI-generated color palettes to producing complex digital sculptures, artists are embracing the power of AI to revolutionize the way they create. With AI, artists can experiment with new techniques, explore unconventional materials, and push the boundaries of what we traditionally consider art.
It’s also pushing the boundaries of who we consider an artist. AI is making becoming an artist more accessible than ever. Previously, art has been looked at as a space for wealthy participants and fans. With the right tools at their disposal, anyone can unleash their inner creative genius and bring their artistic vision to life.
At Worklife, we’ve kept our eyes on the rapid advancement of AI’s impact on the creator economy, and we’ve proudly invested in companies like Stability AI and Artifact, which use AI technologies to help their users work more efficiently and creatively. Needless to say, we are seeing incredible use cases of AI and are thrilled to see its impact on the world.
The debate around AI-generated art is far from over, but one thing is clear: this technology is here to stay. So whether you’re a traditionalist or a tech enthusiast, there’s no denying the potential of AI to revolutionize the art world.
But let’s not just talk about the theoretical possibilities of AI in art. Let’s dive head-first into the world of real artists embracing this technology as a creative partner – not a threat.
We explore the works of several innovative artists using AI to enhance their creativity and push the boundaries of art. From interior design to visual arts, these artists are breaking new ground and proving that AI and human creativity can coexist in unexpected ways.
We’ll take a look at the following use cases and specific artists taking their craft to the next level with AI:
- The impact of AI on architecture
- Powering interior designers with AI
- Expanding possibilities in graphic design
- Creating realistic animations with AI
Get ready to be inspired by some of the most innovative and thought-provoking art created with the help of AI! But first, a refresher on generative AI for artists.
Get Up to Speed on Generative AI Art
Art has always been a medium primed for self-expression and creativity, but with the emergence of AI, we’re witnessing a new era in the industry.
You might be surprised to find out that the use of AI in art actually has a long history, dating back to the 1950s and 1960s when algorithms were used to create computer-generated geometric shapes and patterns. The rise of computer-aided design in the 1970s and 1980s paved the way for today’s AI-generated art tools.
Generative AI art is created using algorithms that generate images, text, animation, music, or other creative outputs. These algorithms are designed to develop new, unique works of art based on various inputs, such as data, rules, or randomness.
Using the process of machine learning, the AI language model is trained on a data set of existing art, and then applies that knowledge to generate new art with similar styles, patterns, and characteristics. The output can vary widely depending on the prompts, but it often produces striking, unique, aesthetically pleasing, and conceptually rich artworks.
Unlike traditional art forms, which rely on the artist's creativity and skill, generative AI art is a collaborative effort between the artist and the machine. The artist provides the inputs and the parameters, while the machine generates the final output, resulting in a symbiotic relationship between the artist's vision and the machine's ability to create.
One of the earliest examples of generative AI art was the work of Harold Cohen, a British artist who created a program called AARON in the 70s. AARON was an algorithm that could generate drawings and paintings, and over the years, Cohen worked with the program to create a wide variety of stunning artworks.
Since then, countless other artists have explored the possibilities of generative AI art. Notable examples include the work of Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, who creates interactive installations with AI to generate images based on the movements of the viewers, and Memo Akten, who creates mesmerizing visual art using algorithms that mimic the behavior of natural systems.
Recent popularity of generative AI art can be attributed to a few factors:
- Generative AI art tools are more accessible than ever before.
- The world at large is more curious about AI than ever before.
So what sparked the latest enthusiasm for AI art generators?
It’s a storm that’s been brewing since Google launched DeepDream in 2015, and hit a new peak last year when Stability AI rolled out its latest release of Stable Diffusion, the language model behind tools like NightCafe and Lexica. Stable Diffusion quickly joined the ranks among Midjourney, DALL-E-2, and Niji Journey as an open-source language model for developers to create and experiment with AI art tools. Along with the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, AI is all anyone in the tech world can talk about.
As a result, AI art generators like LENSA and Artbreeder got into the game, enabling users to easily splice and edit their artwork, generate avatars, and collaborate on art projects. Software like Photoshop and Figma began integrating AI into their features. Novice designers can now create professional-grade designs in minutes with AI-powered freelancer tools like Canva and Adobe’s Sensei. Even Spotify released a new feature allowing users to become a DJ, powered by AI.
We’ve only scratched the surface of what AI can do for the modern artist. As AI technology advances, we can expect more tools to help creatives expand their scope and produce even more incredible pieces of art. We’re already starting to see its impact go beyond graphic design and expand into other creative industries.
Let’s take a look at what’s coming next.
Artists Using AI for Livable Art
The really cool thing about AI art is that it’s not just for designers and writers.
We’re also seeing a profound impact on areas of our daily lives like architecture and interior design. The potential for artist AI to shape how we build and inhabit spaces is just starting to be realized, and the results are really exciting.
Let’s take a look at two major use cases in the world of livable art:
- Architecture
- Interior design
Reimagining Cityscapes
One of the most promising areas of application for AI in architecture is in the design of building structures themselves. Typically, architects rely on time and expertise to design safe, efficient, and visually appealing structures. However, time can be limited, and on complex design projects, it’s easy to hit a road block or overlook an important detail. But with AI, architects can use generative design to explore a vast range of design possibilities and find the best solutions for a particular project. This way, architects can account for the unknown and eliminate any options that won’t work more efficiently and accurately.
But that’s not the only way AI can help. Here are a few use-cases for AI in architecture:
- Building Design: AI can generate and optimize building designs by analyzing data such as building usage, location, and environmental factors. It can also assist in creating more energy-efficient designs, reducing waste and costs.
- Construction Planning: AI can assist with construction planning by analyzing data such as material costs, availability, and construction schedules. It can also help with identifying potential risks and improving safety measures.
- Smart Buildings: AI can create smart buildings that adjust their settings based on factors such as occupancy, weather, and time of day. It can also improve building security and access control.
- Environmental Design: AI can assist in environmental design by analyzing factors such as sunlight, wind patterns, and natural lighting to create more sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings.
- Urban Planning: AI can assist with urban planning by analyzing data such as traffic patterns, population density, and land usage to optimize city planning and improve urban infrastructure.
AI algorithms can help architects take their most surreal ideas and design them in a way that makes them possible. It can consider multiple factors, such as environmental conditions, local zoning codes, and structural requirements, and generate a range of design options that navigate all of these constraints. The resulting designs can be more efficient, functional, and visually striking than traditional designs while also saving time and money in the design process.
Manas Bhatia is one of many bold architects embracing AI as the next big thing in architecture.
Manas uses MIdjourney to create surreal digital images for his conceptual projects. Bhatia’s vision includes residential skyscrapers decked out with plants, trees, and algae that purify the air – essentially creating air purification towers.
“The trial-and-error part is the most fun. We use AI to create images, and in the process, the AI trains itself and improves over time,” he told CNN.
Manas sees AI as another tool that can enrich the design process and spark new ideas, and he envisions a future where AI is integrated into the software architects use to model their visions.
From Data to Decor
Architecture isn’t the only industry bringing AI into the home. We’re also seeing it being used in the interior decorating industry. From AI-powered design software to personalized smart homes, this technology might just revolutionize the future of remote work.
AI can support the interior design process in the following ways:
- Personalized Design: AI can assist in creating personalized design solutions for clients by analyzing their preferences, lifestyle, and behavior patterns.
- Color Palette Selection: AI can be used to select color palettes that are harmonious and complement each other. It can also help select the appropriate color schemes based on room usage, lighting, and mood.
- Furniture and Decor Selection: AI can help select furniture and decor items that match the overall design theme and the client's taste. It can also help identify the appropriate sizes, styles, and materials.
- Space Planning: AI can assist in space planning by creating efficient and functional floor plans based on room usage, available space, and furniture placement.
- Budget Management: AI can also manage an interior design project budget by suggesting cost-effective design solutions and identifying potential cost savings. It can also help track expenses and ensure that the project stays within budget.
If you’ve ever been stuck in a design dilemma, you know that finding the perfect piece of furniture or decor for your space can be a pain. Luckily, interior design companies have already been experimenting with AI and augmented reality (AR), allowing homeowners to see a couch, lamp, or rug in their homes before they even buy it.
Last year, IKEA rolled out its first AI-powered design experience, IKEA Kreativ, enabling US customers to design and visualize their living spaces using digitized furniture on their smartphones. It creates a lifelike and accurate depiction of the room and furniture, and bridges the gap between eCommerce and the in-store customer experience.
But the use-case of AI in interior design doesn’t stop there. It can be used to predict trends, streamline project management, personalize design recommendations, and speed up the design process. Consumer-facing tools like Modsy and Havenly use AI to help homeowners become expert interior designers by offering 3D room renderings, making decor and furniture recommendations, and leveraging AR to see it come to life.
Much like traditional artists using AI as a creative partner, many designers are embracing the trend. Australian illustrator, Georgia Perry, has been sharing her visually stunning experiments with Midjourney via her Instagram profile @superhumansketchbook.
She’s learned to use Midjourney to design colorful spaces dripping in texture and warmth.
“More than anything, it’s helping me open my mind. Often it will generate something I never would have thought of myself. It’s our job as visual communicators to keep pushing ourselves outside of the box, so I think that’s really valuable,” she told Architectural Digest.
Tools like InteriorAI and Planner 5D are simplifying the design process for clients. Using artificial intelligence, InteriorAI can generate custom 3D designs that accurately reflect their clients' spaces and tastes.
Meanwhile, Planner 5D offers an interface allowing designers to easily create detailed floor plans, 3D models, and virtual design tours. Both tools save designers time and effort, while helping them create beautiful, functional, and personalized interior spaces for their clients.
As we continue to explore the potential of AI in art and design, the possibilities for innovation and creativity are truly limitless. Whether creating visually stunning buildings, optimizing interior spaces, or designing more sustainable structures, AI is poised to transform the way we build and inhabit the world around us.
Artists Using AI for Digital Art
With AI tools and algorithms becoming increasingly accessible, artists are reaching new heights of possibility with design, empowering creatives to scale their projects like never before.
What used to take hours of tedious work can now be accomplished with a few written prompts and clicks thanks to AI. It’s become a great way for content creators to avoid creative burnout when they get stuck on a project. And, with the ability to quickly generate and manipulate massive amounts of data, graphic artists can create intricately detailed works of art that would have been impossible a few years ago.
From creating complex 3D models to generating stunning visual effects, AI is changing the game for digital artists. But it’s not just about saving time and effort. AI is also helping artists explore new creative avenues, providing them with advanced tools and techniques to bring their vision to life.
Discover how AI graphic design tools have taken digital art to new heights with:
- Midjourney
- Niji Journey
- NightCafe Studio
- Deep Motion
Graphic Designers Prompting Pixels
Did you tune into the 65th Grammy Awards? If so, you’ve already experienced the magic of AI-generated art.
AI artist Refik Anadol landed the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to display his ongoing series “Machine Hallucinations – Space and Nature” as the backdrop to the music awards show.
Refik is a pioneer in crafting the aesthetics of machine learning, using AI to create stunning digital artworks that push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of visual design. Anadol's work is known for its dreamy, surreal aesthetic, achieved through his unique approach to using AI technology.
At the heart of his creative process is a deep engagement with the capabilities of machine learning algorithms. By feeding vast amounts of data into his custom-built AI systems, Refik is able to generate intricate, highly detailed images that would be impossible for a human artist to produce manually.
In 2021, he sold 8 NFTs from his Machine Hallucinations series for a whopping $5.06 million in Hong Kong – a new record for the most valuable single NFT collection sold in Asia – making his work and its value a great indicator of AI art’s potential.
Niji Journey, NightCafe Studio, Midjourney, DALL-E 2, and other major design platforms are at the forefront of integrating AI technology into the world of graphic design. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, these platforms enable graphic artists and designers to create stunning, high-quality designs with greater speed, accuracy, and efficiency than ever before.
One major area where AI is having an impact is in the creation of NFTs. These platforms use AI to generate unique, one-of-a-kind digital art pieces that can be sold as NFTs on blockchain marketplaces. For example, Niji Journey's AI-powered design tool, "Design Your AI," uses machine learning algorithms to generate custom art based on the user's input. This tool can help NFT creators quickly and easily create eye-catching, unique designs that stand out in a crowded market.
Similarly, Midjourney's "DesignAI" tool uses machine learning algorithms to automate the design process, allowing designers to quickly and easily create logos, branding materials, and other design assets with minimal effort. This tool can save graphic designers significant time and effort, freeing them up to focus on other aspects of their work.
When Sketches Come to Life
AI is also revolutionizing the world of animation, enabling animators to take their art to the next level. It’s already played a significant role in blockbuster films that use CGI, like Avatar and the Avengers. Using machine learning algorithms, animators can create more realistic and detailed animations – from facial expressions to body movements.
Don Allen Stevenson III is a Metaverse Creator who has really embraced the idea of being an AI artist online. After previously working at DreamWorks Animation as a Specialist Trainer, he now works with leading tech companies focused on bringing augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, web3, and metaverse worlds together online.
One of his most recent projects is playing around with Runway, an AI-powered platform that provides a suite of tools to help create and collaborate on digital content. Using video footage and input images generated by Midjourney, he uses Runway to create artistic AI-generated animated videos.
For the technical novice, there are also tools like Pixelvibe’s Tokkingheads, allowing users to animate face images and make them appear to speak, sing, or move in various ways. With Tokkingheads, users can create and customize avatars with different facial features, hairstyles, clothing, and more, and then animate them using voice recordings or text-to-speech technology. The tool uses advanced facial recognition and lip-syncing technology to make the avatars appear to speak in sync with the audio input.
The output of the Tokkingheads animation can be saved as a video file, which can then be shared on social media platforms or integrated into other video projects. The tool has applications in various industries, including entertainment, education, marketing, and more. It’s just one of many examples of new tools empowering creators to make more engaging, eye-catching content.
“What I have learned from our users, and what excited me the most, is how accessible it makes storytelling and sharing what’s going on in people’s internal visual world. It’s especially great that this is accessible to people who were not trained professionally, but want to express themselves,” says Pixelvibe Founder, Lisha Li on the impact of AI on art.
As we continue to explore the possibilities of AI in digital art, it's clear that the potential for innovation is unlimited.
What This Means for You
By now, you should have stars in your eyes, ideas swirling in your head, and one big question to answer:
How can I make AI work for me?
AI art isn't just for creating cool and fascinating art. It's also reimagining work for creatives, providing opportunities for them to explore new art forms, and even carving out whole new career paths.
Whether you’re looking for a side-hustle while working full time or a change in careers, here are a few ideas on how to partner with AI to boost your income:
- Personalized Artwork: Use AI tools to create personalized artwork for clients, such as portraits, landscapes, and abstract pieces. You can also offer customization options such as size, framing, and material.
- Art Consulting: Use AI tools to help clients choose art pieces for their homes or offices. Offer consulting services that analyze their style, preferences, and budget to recommend suitable pieces from your AI-generated artwork catalog.
- NFT Art Creation: Create AI-generated art pieces that can be sold as NFTs (non-fungible tokens) on blockchain platforms. NFT art has become a rapidly growing market and offers significant earning potential.
- Stock Photo and Video Creation: Use AI tools to create stock photos and videos that can be sold on stock photography websites. AI-generated content is unique and can offer an opportunity to create more inclusive design without having trouble sourcing diverse imagery.
- Design Templates: Use AI tools to create design templates for logos, branding, social media graphics, and other marketing materials. Offer customization options that allow clients to tweak the designs to fit their needs.
- Digital Art Prints: Use AI tools to create high-quality digital art prints that can be sold on online marketplaces such as Etsy or your own e-commerce store. Offer customization options such as framing and size to cater to a broader audience.
- Creative Services for Businesses: Offer creative services to design led companies, such as logo design, branding, social media graphics, and website design. Use AI tools to speed up the design process and offer competitive pricing to attract clients.
With the right skills and tools, there are endless opportunities for creative entrepreneurs to turn AI art into a successful business.
Looking to the future, AI will continue to play an increasingly important role in the art world and beyond. While some may see AI as a threat to traditional art forms, others view it as an opportunity for new forms of artistic expression and collaboration – and we can’t wait to see what ventures come next for artists and AI. In the meantime, we’ll be watching closely and investing in tech designed for the future of work!
Did this article spark your interest? Check out more here:
- How are Freelancers and Agencies Using AI? Less Manual Work, More Creativity
- 2023 Predictions for the Creator Economy
- The Next Gen of Influencer? Meet the Technical Content Creator
Want to learn more about the future of work for creatives? Take a peek at my discussion with Linktree CEO Alex Zaccaria:
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